Fanned by anti-immigrant extremists — and based largely on myths about immigration’s effects on the nation’s security and economy — a powerful anti-immigrant movement over the last several years has been seeking to curtail the rights of many people living in the United States. And it’s only gotten worse.
Opinion
From inflammatory statements describing immigrants as “poisoning the blood of our country” to discussions framing them as part of a “migrant invasion,” anti-immigrant sentiment continues to plague the United States. This rhetoric was a lynchpin of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. He often falsely claimed that the “greatest invasion in history” was happening at the southern U.S. border with Mexico as justification for his extreme anti-immigrant stances and policy proposals.
As president, Trump has promised to “carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” Though Trump made similar promises during his first administration, his second administration is a clear and present danger to our democratic norms, processes and institutions. As the dust settles, we know we’ll find ourselves in a new era in our fight for civil liberties — especially because others, including some of our elected leaders in Wyoming — will feel emboldened to follow suit.
So as we prepare for a second Trump presidency, we understand how unsafe so many immigrants are feeling right now.
The immigrant population in Wyoming is resilient and talented and an integral part of the state’s economy. They’re starting businesses, creating jobs and working for local employers. They’re hard-working, good people who love Wyoming and are an essential part of who we are as a state.
But the uncertainty about immigration policy under a second Trump administration, the never-ending debate over border security and politicians who put politics before people and principle have meant an increased amount of discriminatory rhetoric in our state. And when the government has the power to deny legal rights and due process to one vulnerable group — like immigrants living in Wyoming — everyone’s rights are at risk.
Everyone needs to understand their rights — and how to advocate for themselves, their family and their neighbors. Do you know what to do if ICE shows up at your door? If you get pulled over by the police when traveling? If you are questioned about your citizenship status at work? That’s why the ACLU of Wyoming has developed and is distributing comprehensive materials — in English and Spanish — to ensure that immigrants throughout the state know their rights.
The looming threats are real, but we are stronger than one president. It will be up to us to stand up for our neighbors, our friends, our families and our communities here in Wyoming and to fight for the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution. And we will — we’re not going anywhere. No matter the challenge, our commitment to making the promise of democracy real for all Wyomingites has not wavered. And it starts with knowing your rights.
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Our communities shouldn’t live in fear because of what they don’t know. Knowledge is power.
I have many friends who are immigrants, all very hard working and responsible and caring! How do I make sure they have the information they need so they do not live in fear.?? I cannot stand the thought of this ‘administration’ getting away with this hatred and incompetence!
I would like to hear from one Wyoming resident how illegal immigration has impacted their life. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that there are fewer than 2,500 illegal immigrants in Wyoming. This less than 0.4% of the state population and roughly equivalent to the town of Afton’s population. So far not a major problem facing Wyomingites. State and local governments, not the federal government, provide the majority of services to illegal immigrants; furthermore, Wyoming continues to receive more in federal funding than residents pay in federal income taxes. So much for the state’s fiscal burden. Wyoming’s weather, lack of public services, and the xenophobia and racism exhibited by many Wyomingites are further deterents to illegal immigrants settling in Wyoming. So why, other than responding to an issue whooped-up by politicians for personal political gain, are Wyomingites so obsessed with illegal immigration?
all of my questions exactly. Why??
Illegal entry is not the same as legal immigration, and coming to America is a want, not a right. Consider this; a military infantry division consists of 15,000 – 20,000 soldiers depending on the task, and using the 15,000 number and the estimated 10-million people that have entered over the past ~4-years, the Biden/Harris administration has allowed in 667 infantry divisions to enter America. That is an invasion, even if the people aren’t soldiers.
Nonwhites in the US had better have their passport (better get one if you don’t already have one) & other documentation (Social Security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, nationalization papers, &c) for proof of citizenship always on their person because when Trump’s enforcement officers (maybe the military too) begin searching for undocumented migrants (i.e., “illegal aliens”) they will rely on profiling. Unwary, innocent people will very likely get caught up in the round-ups for concentration camps before deportation. After that they might even come after anyone who didn’t vote for Trump, regardless of ethnicity or skin color.
Exactly what jobs have been created by illegal immigrants? What are they contributing to the economy and welfare of our country? If they do not enter legally how are we able to know or separate criminals from law abiding folks? Who should be required to provide food and housing for this one or that one that shows up with no food, or housing?
I see no problem with folks coming legally to our land able to take care of themselves, but to demand that I share my home and food with them because they want it? NO!
There are legal ways to enter a country, but just coming across the border, demanding and taking what they want is NOT the way to do it! And of course elderly or otherwise vulnerable Americans would be at the top of their list because they would not be able to protect themselves as well.
They haven’t exactly created jobs per se, but they do pretty much all of the jobs that most Americans are too lazy to do. Roofing, concrete work, painting, agriculture, anything construction…… So if they actually manage to deport all the people the donald claims he wants to deport, good luck getting anything done or being able to afford it if you can find someone to do it. You get what you vote for.
If you are here illegally, get legal or get out, it is really very simple.
Excellent article. People are truly living in fear of what will happen when trump (small t) takes office. I now have a better understanding of how fascism took over Germany before WW2.
First of all, nobody is “anti-immigrant”, they’re anti “ILLEGAL” immigrant. You should get that correct instead of spewing the same tired old leftist language. Second, for those law breakers who enter into our country illegally, they have NO constitutional rights. The constitution pertains to the US gov’t and how it is allowed to affect its CITIZENS, not visitors (whether legal or illegal). So, is your article strictly about the law-abiding citizens that came here legally and gained citizenship OR is it about the law breakers who broke into this country?